The government has launched a comprehensive security audit of the complex in the wake of email bomb threats, following the Yakub Memon verdict.

NEW DELHI: Getting into the Supreme Court isn't as easy as it used to be, and entry could get even more strict. That's because the government has launched a comprehensive security audit of the complex in the wake of email bomb threats, following the July verdict confirming death sentence to Yakub Memon for his role in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts.

The audit is being conducted at the top court's request, confirmed several authoritative sources.

SC public relations officer Rakesh Sharma declined to comment on the drive except to say that the court was conscious that security for lawyers and litigants thronging the court daily is a top priority. "The public must know that we are looking at the security aspect closely," he said.

Several changes have already been made after initial scrutiny. Apart from the presence of sniffer dogs and police, armed commandos have been stationed at all vantage points. Rajasthan Rifle personnel constantly patrol the roof, distinguished by a dome and the Indian flag atop that.

"We're leaving nothing to chance," said a top security official who didn't want to be named. A watch is also being kept on the perimeter of the complex. "A blast even in the periphery of the building can be claimed to be an attack on the SC," he said.

The Delhi HC has previously been targeted by militants, as have trial courts in UP and other parts of the country with the forces having been criticised for ignoring warnings.

More stringent measures will be taken at the SC if needed once the audit report is completed, an official said. The assessment includes the possibility of attack from nearby high-rises and remote control devices, such as drones.

Soon after the Memon verdict, the government had stepped up security for the two judges who delivered the ruling. The court had referred the issue of security to the government for consideration at the highest level.

Electronic surveillance will be increased at all strategic points, a source said. Another said that the security protocol after the audit may put the SC on par with Parliament. There is a proposal to have electronic scanning of car registration plates as at Parliament, the source said.

In the interim, other measures have been put in place. These include frequent changes in security personnel so that they stay on their toes, frisking everyone and scanning belongings.